Friday's thoughts

Two observations about the text for Sunday as I think about "Seeing is Believing; or Is It?"

When Jesus came to Jericho the text indicates he didn't stay there very long. It just says he went there and then he left. He probably looked at the place Joshua blew the trumpet. He, likely, was impressed with the historical significance of the place. He was "transfixed" for a short time and it probably increased his faith in God because of what he saw. Seeing is believing.

At the end of the story we are told that Bart, son of Timaeus, was blind and he called out Jesus as the "Son of David". He was healed by Jesus because of his faith. I don't think he was able to see even if Jesus healed his blindness. When he decided to follow Jesus he still was blind. He may have been able to see light and colors. He might have been able to observe shadows and forms but it seems to me he followed Jesus blind still. A person who is blind from birth and then is healed doesn't immediately see. Even if he can see if he has been blind from birth he doesn't know what he is seeing.

For Bart, son of Timaeus, believing is seeing. He can see because he has learned to trust. He can see because he believes.

The Biblical text is Mark 10:46-52. It is an interesting story about seeing and believing; about looking and trusting.

The most important sight we acquire begins with faith. What we believe determines what we see.

Do you have thoughts about this? Write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to allow others to see what you've written click on the box below. I look forward to hearing from you.


Charles Schuster